June 20, 2022 | MSC Group's cruise division and Chantiers de l'Atlantique celebrated two important milestones over the weekend for MSC Cruises' first two LNG ships, both of which will be built at the French shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
MSC World Europe - Photo MSC
- MSC World Europa, MSC Cruises' first LNG ship, completes her first sea trials.
- MSC Cruises is also celebrating the floating of the MSC Euribia, the shipping company's second LNG ship
In MSC World Europe, the first LNG ship in the MSC fleet and the largest LNG-powered cruise ship in the world, completed her first sea trials in the Atlantic. The performance of the ship's engines, manoeuvrability, fuel consumption, safety systems, speed and braking distance of the ship were tested.
At the same time, the MSC Euribia was launched and moved to a floating dock. Work will continue here before the ship joins the MSC Cruises fleet in June 2023.
MSC is investing three billion euros in three LNG-powered cruise ships. Construction of the third ship, World Class II, is scheduled to begin early next year at the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard in Saint-Nazaire.
Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of MSC Group Cruises, said: “We committed last year to zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050 and to lead the cruise industry on the decarbonization journey. MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia play an important role on this journey.
LNG is the cleanest marine fuel currently available on a large scale. It significantly reduces emissions and also offers compatibility with future alternative fuel solutions for which we are actively investing in research and development, including an LNG-powered solid oxide fuel cell onboard MSC World Europa. If biological or synthetic LNG were available on a large scale today, our two newbuilds could operate with zero emissions from day one."
The MSC World Europe
A next-generation cruising experience
MSC World Europa is the first ship in the groundbreaking MSC World Class, a brand new class of ship, and can accommodate up to 6.762 passengers.
With pioneering technologies for shipping and the onboard guest experience, MSC World Europe will redefine travel at sea with a variety of never-before-seen concepts and creative areas. The groundbreaking design features a Y-shaped stern leading to the impressive 104 meter long semi-open and semi-covered Europa Promenade with breathtaking sea views. New balcony staterooms overlook the boardwalk, the architectural centerpiece of which is The Venom Drop @ The Spiral, an eleven-deck slide - the longest at sea.
MSC World Europe will spend its first season in the Emirates in winter 2022/23. MSC Cruises will then deploy its largest capacity to date in the Gulf region, strengthening its position as the cruise market leader in the region. The ship will offer 2022-night itineraries from Dubai to Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates, Dammam in Saudi Arabia and Doha in Qatar between December 2023 and March 7 before returning to Dubai.
In March 2023, MSC World Europe will then head for the Mediterranean and in the following summer season will visit the Italian ports of Genoa, Naples and Messina as well as Valletta on Malta on 7-night cruises. Barcelona in Spain and Marseille in France.
Booking options MSC World Europe
The MSC Euribia
Symbol of MSC Cruises' respect for the oceans
In MSC Euribia will be one of the most ecologically advanced ships in the MSC Cruises fleet. The ship is named after the ancient goddess Eurybia, who used the winds, weather and constellations to rule the seas. MSC Euribia will be distinctly different from the other ships in the MSC Cruises fleet. A special hull design turns MSC Euribia into a large floating canvas to showcase the importance of sustainability and the company's commitment to the sea.
From June 2023, MSC Euribia will spend her first season in Northern Europe, sailing week-long itineraries to the Norwegian fjords from Kiel, with stops in Copenhagen, Hellesylt, dem Geirangerfjord, and Alesund and Flam.
Booking options MSC Euribia
Eco-friendly ships at sea
Both MSC World Europa and MSC Euribia are powered by liquefied natural gas (LNG), which eliminates local air pollutant emissions such as sulfur oxides and reduces nitrogen oxides by up to 85 percent. LNG also plays an important role in combating climate change as it reduces CO2 emissions by 25 percent and paves the way for the introduction of sustainable non-fossil fuels such as green hydrogen.
The two ships will be equipped with Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) systems, shore power connections and advanced waste water treatment systems to comply with the so-called Baltic Sea Standard, the world's most stringent standard for discharge of waste water into the sea. In addition, the ships reduce underwater noise to reduce the potential impact on marine life and are both equipped with a variety of energy-efficient devices and systems to optimize engine utilization.
